LAUSR

Abstract It is hypothesized that the shear strength due to tension in confined masonry walls is caused by lateral deformation, regardless of the force that causes the deformation: shear, a moment or a combination of both. Based on this hypothesis, an a priori estimation formula for the shear strength is proposed. The proposed expression predicts a reduction in the shear strength when a moment is applied on top of the wall. The predictions of the proposed expression are compared with those of other formulas that include the shear-moment interaction. To verify the predictions, six full-scale confined masonry walls were subjected to a cyclic lateral force and a moment on top of the wall. The results indicate a decrease in the shear strength capacity of the walls when the moment is applied, and this decrease is consistent with the predictions. This reduction is more important for slender walls. The details of the experiments are provided, and the results are discussed.